PPL starts cleansing exercise

PNG Power Ltd (PPL) has started blocking off easipay meters that are not in operation in a bid to prevent stealing of electricity, acting chief executive officer Obed Batia says.
Batia said PPL lost millions through illegal connections by people who did not pay for the power they used.
He said blocking off meters included meters that were installed for active customers who may not be buying power any longer so they were deemed illegal connections.
“This also includes meters which have been connected without verification by PNG Power,” Baita said.
He said PPL was conducting this cleansing exercise to ensure customer details and meter information were current and accurate in the system. “According to the Electricity Industry Act 2000 and the Criminal Code Act, illegal connection or diversion of energy by consumers in order to use free power is a crime and you can be criminally prosecuted in a court of law,” Batia said. “A penalty not exceeding three years will be served if you are proven guilty in a court of law.”
He is advising customers who are experiencing issues with their easipay meters to report the matter to the PNG Power office for help.